The first meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2026 took place on March 12th at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in the Danilov Monastery in Moscow. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow presided over the meeting. During the meeting, various issues concerning external church relations were discussed.
The Synod adopted several decisions, including the establishment of a Russian Orthodox parish in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Journal No. 22). The members of the Synod heard a report by the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk. According to his report, Russian-speaking parishioners in Abu Dhabi had appealed to the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church, requesting the establishment of a parish.
In a letter dated January 17, 2026, addressed to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Patriarch John X of Antioch consented to the establishment of a Russian Orthodox parish in Abu Dhabi under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch, as well as to the construction of a church. Considering this consent, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided to establish a Russian Orthodox parish dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Abu Dhabi.
The pastoral care of the newly established parish was entrusted to Archimandrite Alexander (Zarkeshev), the rector of the Church of the Holy Apostle Philip in Sharjah.
During the meeting, the Holy Synod considered several other matters. Among them, the Synod confirmed the new head of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe. Specifically, they appointed Metropolitan Mark of Ryazan and Mikhailov as the new Metropolitan of Korsun and Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe. He will retain the temporary administration of the Budapest–Hungary Diocese while being released from the administration of the Ryazan Diocese. The Synod expressed thanks for his many years of service.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Nestor of Korsun and Western Europe was relieved of his duties as Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe and of the administration of the Diocese of Korsun and the Spanish-Portuguese Diocese, as well as the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Italy. He was appointed Bishop of Stupino and vicar of the diocese of Korsun.
The Holy Synod heard a report from Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, on the canonizations performed in the Serbian Orthodox Church in May 2025. The Holy Synod decided to include the names of Saint Nikodim (Milas), Bishop of Dalmatia-Istria, and Saint Righteous Anna, mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog, in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church. The feast days were set for September 21/October 4 and April 30/May 13, respectively.
A report was presented on Metropolitan Anthony’s visit to Israel from February 17 to 19, 2026. During this visit, he participated in an interreligious conference in Jerusalem on February 18, which was attended by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. He also met with the Primate of the Church of Jerusalem.
The Holy Synod reviewed the activities of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate and relieved Archimandrite Filaret (Bulekov) of his duties as Deputy Chairman of the Department.
Finally, Archpriest Oleg Mokryak, a cleric of the Diocese of Odessa currently without an assignment, and Priest Nikolai Gedesh, a cleric of the Diocese of Tikhvin, were sent to the Diocese of Argentina and South America at the disposal of the ruling bishop.
The Synod blessed the transfer of Priest Alexander Kolatsky, a Grodno diocesan cleric currently without an assignment, to the Polish Orthodox Church clergy. The Synod also approved sending the corresponding letter of release to Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland.
